Students from Bridgwater College’s Land-based, Sports and Services courses recently held their end of year awards evening at The Walled Gardens of Cannington, with guest speaker Mrs Anne Maw, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Over 150 students and 300 guests attended the event to celebrate students’ successes, held in a marquee in the Gardens with a jazz band on the lawn. Attendees, including staff and dignitaries, enjoyed strawberries and cream, donated by Arthur David & Co Ltd, after the event which saw a number of students receive awards.

Awards handed out during the evening included Top Student, Highest Achiever, Most Improved and Top Practical Student. Winners included Kevin Dixon, an adult learner from Combwich, who received Top Practical Student in Level 3 Countryside Management and Michael Knuckey, 18, from Axminster, Residential Lodge Leader and Chairman of the Rodway Young Farmers Club, who was presented with the Mole Valley Farmers Award for Top Practical Student in Level 3 Agriculture.

Michael, formerly of Axe Valley Community College said,

“I have enjoyed my time at the College and have been involved in lots of different activities such as educational visits, residential student events and also being part of the Rodway Young Farmers. Everything I have achieved, with the support of my tutors, has meant that I am able to progress to university and move forward in reaching my goals”

Jeremy Kerswell, Head of Land-based, Sports and Services at Bridgwater College said,

“This event is always the highlight of the year, as staff, employers and families of our students come together to celebrate their achievements during their time at College. This cohort of students, who completed their qualifications with us in 2015, are amongst the most successful ever in Bridgwater College’s Land-based, Sports and Services courses, and are likely to be amongst the top 5% nationally. It was therefore very fitting to host this year’s event back in our classic Walled Gardens of Cannington.”